Page 74 of Simon Says

“Yeah. One of the sports magazines offered me a good deal to do a piece for them.”

“What’s your topic?”

“Ego.” Still holding her suitcase, he said, “It has no place in training.”

“I’d like to read it.”

“All right.”

“Is it always like this?” She nodded at the answering machine. “So many offers and so much attention?”

“Pretty much.” Simon stepped closer to her. “Now it’s my turn for a question.”

Her blue eyes narrowed as she turned her gaze on him.

“Do you want to sleep with me or alone? Before you answer, understand that I meansleep. You’re in no shape for sex, and I know it.”

Her jaw tightened. “I can sleep alone.”

“Of course you can. But do you really want to?”

She opened her mouth to reply, but said nothing. Her arms tightened around herself and she looked away. “I don’t know.”

So honest—or at least it seemed that way. But she’d duped him several times already and Simon didn’t want to be taken in again. “I’d prefer you sleep with me, if that helps you decide.”

“All right.” She swallowed, and her gaze wavered. “If you prefer, then sure. Why not?”

“Good. This way.” Simon led her down the short hall to his bedroom. “It’s a big bed. We’ll each have plenty of room. But I don’t mind cuddling, if you’re so inclined.”

He set her suitcase down and turned to her. “The bathroom is right through there. If you want more privacy, there’s another one in the hall.”

“Thanks.” She stared at the bed.

It all felt very awkward, given that Dakota looked wary and, despite his need to protect and pamper her, he was so horny he could barely breathe. “Next question. How about some aspirin?”

“How about half a dozen? And coffee?”

“Two aspirin and a cup of coffee if you insist.” He took the ice bag from her and led her back the way they’d come, into the kitchen.

“This is a nice place.”

“It came furnished, so I can’t take credit for more than paying the rent.”

While Simon dumped the makeshift ice pack and retrieved a real one from the freezer, he asked, “Something to eat?”

Favoring her injured leg, Dakota slumped into a chair. “I’m always up for food.”

That made Simon smile. True, she did have a fast metabolism that she constantly fed.

First, he gave her the aspirins with a glass of water, then handed her the ice pack. She automatically put it against her thigh, which seemed to be her worst injury. Simon looked at the large bruise on her forehead, her black eye, and the other marks on her face.

Fury and empathy warred inside him.

“What are you in the mood for? Sandwich, soup, cereal, eggs?”

“Cheese sandwich?”

“Got it.” When Simon opened the fridge, she set the ice pack on the table and came forward.

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